Greene man allegedly killed JC cop

JOHNSON CITY – A Village of Greene resident who allegedly shot and killed Johnson City Police Officer David Smith was shot this morning in the Village of Johnson City by officers and has died as a result of injuries sustained from the return gunfire by an unidentified police officer.

According to Binghamton and Johnson City joint Police Chief Joseph Zikuski, the suspect is identified as 43-year-old James Clark from Turner Street in the Village of Greene.

According to sources, the incident took place at approximately 7 a.m. at Southern Tier Imaging located at 32-36 Harrison St. where Clark was employed as an MRI technician.

Smith, 43, had been with the department for 18 and a half years. He is married and has one child.

Clark, also 43, had no known mental problems or criminal history and police do not know the motive. Prior to taking Officer Smith’s weapon, he was unarmed.

According to police, he appeared to be a model employee prior to the incident.

At a press conference it was also confirmed that Clark died this morning during surgery, Zikuski said.

It was reported that Officer Smith was on duty and responding to a reported disturbance at Southern Tier Imaging. When he arrived, he was immediately attacked by Clark, who took his duty weapon during a struggle and then – according to police – Clark shot him twice.

Zikuski indicated that Clark then shot at an unnamed officer, who shot him. “Officer Smith never even got the opportunity to exit his vehicle,” Zikuski said.

Hospital staff evacuated both 30 and 22 Harrison St. and witnesses were jettisoned to the village police department nearby. Crime scene investigators focused on Southern Tier Imaging and nearby UHS buildings.

From all accounts, Clark seemed to be a productive member of society as neighbors and co-workers commented that the incident is completely out of character for Clark.